Unpublished MSc thesis, Victoria University, 2004/01, 38, type of study: ,qs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (http://vuir.vu.edu.au/902/)

Keywords:

female [655]
patients [167]
post-menopause [1]
qualitative study [290]
women [608]

Abstract:

The specific aims were to a) increase knowledge and understanding of women's experiences of post-menopause and b) to identify common elements and themes women experience in this particular life phase. Data were collected via open-ended semi-structured interviews between 40 and 70 minutes, with post-menopausal women. Twelve women, aged between 52 and 71 years of age, living in the Melbourne metropolitan area, volunteered to participate in this study. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and transcripts were analysed and interpreted, looking for any emerging patterns, differences, similarities, and common understandings that occurred in each woman's experience in post-menopause. Four common themes emerged: 1) Expectations of post-menopause, 2) Reality of post-menopause 3) Expectations and reality of ageing and 4) Overall, feeling better with greater freedom. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.